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It's always sad when a city tells kids they can't sell sweet treats. It's even sadder when that city (Savannah) bars a famous group of kids (Girl Scouts) from selling their cookies in a relatively important place (outside the home of the founder of their organization). That's exactly the PR mess the scouts' hometown is dealing with now, after it banned them from their longtime practice of hawking Thin Mints et al on the public sidewalk outside Juliette Gordon Low's house, now a National Historic Landmark open for tours.

The issue began last year, reports the AP, after the city received a complaint. It turns out that peddling on a public sidewalk is a violation of a city ordinance. The city's zoning administrator did try to find an alternative: Perhaps there would be some private space between the home and the sidewalk (a survey revealed there wasn't), or maybe they could sell them in the home's side courtyard (that would block an exit route, said fire marshals). "I know it doesn't look good," he admitted. One city alderman wants Savannah to make a temporary annual exception: "Juliette Low brings thousands of tourists from around the country. Juliette Low is known for Girl Scouts, and Girl Scouts are known for cookies. Let's be reasonable. Let them sell their cookies." (Click for another—violent—Girl Scouts cookie mess.)

Come on people.....does this not prove that we are over regulated and local government is just as bad as the broadened us government... We need to start telling local government and the us government to get bent... I wonder what they would do arrest the little girl scouts if they sold the cookies anyway??!! I doubt it!!! Good luck getting that one passed through the public eye!!! Or any self respecting judge, as he nibbles on his thin mints between cases!

nonewsisgoodnews

Mar 1, 2011 2:54 PM CST

I rather like the occasional story of this type. Then, when a similar issue arises in my home town, we have the experience of another community for comparison. Special cases, like this one for the Girl Scouts (or, would it be favoritism to grant them an exemption?) can really make a town go crazy.

NlCK

Mar 1, 2011 1:53 PM CST

Thank you for adding some variety to grid. :) I feel that Girl Scouts can be a very positive thing. This is a difficult time for America. Thank you for giving attention to an issue which negatively affects positive, community-outreach program. The usual, argument-starting, partisan bullshit gets annoying. It gets even more annoying when it's covered 10 times in 4 different ways just to keep the petty, commentators happily arguing. I love a good argument from time to time -- but I can't bash something like this.